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Divestment: CSOs Want FG To Prohibit Oil Companies Sales Of Assets In Niger Delta Until…

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2023

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Following the announcement of acquisition of 100% of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd) by Oando Plc, Civil Society Organizations have urged the Federal Government to immediately place a moratorium on
oil company divestment (or sale of assets) in the Niger Delta region, pending the ascertaining of issues of community concern.

They argued that the call became necessary becaus host communities in which Agip has operated for up to six decades are unaware of the
impending sale and have not been informed by the firm.

Oando Plc had on October 4, 2023 announced that it reached an agreement with Eni for the acquisition of a 100 percent stake in its subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd).

But a statement signed by Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation; China Williams, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria; Henry Eferegbo, Executive Director, Niger Delta Network for Environmental Justice; Ken Henshaw, Executive Director, We The People and six other organisations, and made available to INFO DAILY by Kome Odhomor, Media/Communication Lead, said “Agip has been operating recklessly for decades, leaving terrible ecological and socioeconomic legacies,” hence it cannot vacate the region without “addressing several cases and concerns bordering on the ecological, health, economic, and social impacts of its operations in the Niger Delta.”

They argued that “throughout its operations, Agip consistently flared gas, wreaking havoc on the health, livelihoods, and environment of Niger Delta oil-producing communities.”

“Several investigations have found
the corporation and its collaborators responsible for environmental
degradation that has destroyed livelihoods, poisoned communities, and created circumstances for human rights violations,” they added in the statement.

They, therefore, urged the “Federal Government to immediately produce a framework and
guide for how oil companies disengage from areas where they have operated.”

This guide, according to the environmental activists, “should be developed by a multi-stakeholder group including communities and civil society organizations. The divestment (or sale) framework must contain the following requirements for oil
companies and the Nigeria authorities;

“A scientifically developed post hydrocarbon impact assessment report that establishes the exact ecological and livelihoods impacts of oil extraction.

“A health audit of people located in close proximity to extraction
sites, and others exposed to oil contamination and gas flaring. This
audit will aim at unravelling the negative health impacts of exposure to hydrocarbons.

“A detailed plan and costing for remediating the ecological,
livelihood and health impacts of extraction.

“The establishment of independent frameworks for remediating all
identified impacts and compensation to the impacted individuals and
communities.”

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

5 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

5 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

5 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.